With up to R$15 million allocated to funding applied research projects, the Government of São Paulo has launched a call for proposals aimed at startups and technology-based companies interested in developing solutions based on the demands of public administration. This initiative is part of GovChallenge SP, a program run by Prodesp, the state's technology company linked to the Secretariat of Management and Digital Government, in partnership with FAPESP.
The distinguishing feature of GovChallenge SP is that it starts with real challenges already mapped by state agencies, allowing companies to develop their solutions in an environment... governmental, with technical support and a concrete possibility of implementation.
The call for proposals is linked to the Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program (PIPE) of FAPESP, and provides financial support of up to R$300,000 in the initial technical-scientific validation phase and up to R$1.5 million per project in the solution development stage.
According to Gileno Barreto, president of Prodesp, the initiative broadens the connection between the public sector and the innovation ecosystem. “We are opening up real challenges facing the state so that startups can develop solutions with concrete applications. It's an opportunity to bring innovation, public management, and direct impact on citizens' lives closer together,” he states.
Challenges guide the development of solutions.
The challenges outlined in the call for proposals were structured with various bodies of the São Paulo State Government, including the Secretariat of Management and Digital Government, the State Attorney General's Office (PGE), the Office of the Vice-Governor, and São Paulo Previdência (SPPrev). The themes include system modernization, digital inclusion, the use of artificial intelligence in institutional communication, the creation of intelligent registries, and social monitoring with technological support.
Companies with up to 250 employees, based in the state of São Paulo, that develop research and innovation activities are eligible to participate. Proposals can be submitted until March 2, 2026, with results expected to be announced on June 30.
More information: prodesp.sp.gov.br/govchallenge
